Encouraging and equipping you to write about a God who is real, who is reachable, and who changes lives.

Overcoming Doubts

Do you feel called to “write His answer” and yet struggle with self-doubts? Truthfully, through working with hundreds of writers through the years, I find that the those who really have a gift with words and a message that needs to be published are the ones most likely to be crippled by self-doubts.

I shudder when I think of how many times I almost gave up because my self-doubts were so loud and insistent. Why would anyone want to read what I wrote? I What made me think that I could write for the Lord? I wasn’t qualified! How could He possibly use someone who was only a high school graduate? I felt ashamed and woefully inadequate.

How it must have grieved the Lord when I failed to see that the Cross turns my minus into a plus – when I believed the lies of the evil one instead of His promises. And how much time I wasted in my self-centered and selfish focus on my doubts instead of on the needs Father was calling me to address through the words He would give me if I would just trust Him.

I’m presently reading Joel Rosenberg’s new novel, The Twelfth Imam. When I saw the following subject line in an article from ASSIST News yesterday, I immediately knew it was about him: Author of End Times Political Thriller Hits New York Times Best Seller List with His Latest Middle Eastern Novel. What I didn’t know was that when Joel got the idea to write “a political thriller – a Middle East-based terrorism story that would have the Gospel woven into it,” he “didn’t know how to write a novel.” He says, “I’d never written one before. I’d never even taken a class on writing a novel and I didn’t even like to read novels. So that was a problem.” I hope you’ll go to ASSIST News at http://www.assistNews.net/stories/2010/s10110053.htm // to read the rest of the story of how God used someone who was not qualified and who, as he admits, “didn’t know how to write a novel and . . . didn’t have a story.”

Father, thank You for calling us to do what seems impossible and for Your faithfulness to do exceedingly, abundantly beyond as we choose to listen to You and not to our doubts.

Like this:

17 Responses

Marlene, thanks for your encouraging words. I sometimes feel paralyzed with self-doubt. Has God really called me to “write His answer”? What makes me think anyone would ever want to read a story I’ve written? Your own struggle helps me realize that I am not alone. And I had no idea that Joel Rosenberg wasn’t an accomplished novelist! The Holy Spirit must have prompted you to post this. Who knows how many other writers also needed to read your encouraging words? God bless you!

I’ve read all of Joel’s novels and was amazed he had never studied novel writing much less read novels. I felt so strongly that I needed to send the link to the article on to others today. I don’t have one master list of names (and few people have discovered I’m blogging), that I actually ended up spending all afternoon on this. But oh Father, for even one person to be encouraged it was worth the time invested.

Have you ever thought about teaching a class/workshop/online class on overcoming self-doubts? I know that I struggle with this subject and would be very interested in taking a course from you–especially since I enjoyed our conversation a few years ago at Lancaster Xtian Writers spring writers’ conference.

Actually I taught a workshop on this a number of years ago. It was taped but there was a glitch. I felt the need was so great, one day when my husband was fishing, I sat in the car and recorded 90 minutes on “Overcoming Self-Doubts.” The tape is still available for $5. Hopefully down the road I can learn how to do teleseminars. Oh for more hours in the day!

What an inspiration you are, Marlene. As the author of two books, let me say I learned everything I needed to know about writing and publishing at writer’s conferences like yours. I thank God for the inspiration and passion He placed in your heart to write for Him.

Thank you for the wonderful post, Marlene. A friend and I recently started a Writer’s Bible Study, complete with your “Write His Answer” book. Our first meeting is this Thursday, and we are excited to encourage other writers in writing for His glory. Your book is wonderful and such a help.

Self-doubts, yes? I had some when I attended writers conferences including yours in Philly in August 2008. Had some when I decided to custom publish. I have some from time-to-time as I’m now taking each step in the marketing process. Yet through it all, I’m thankful the Lord keeps reminding me that the “success” or “failure” is all in His hands. I’m just the agent to tell this true story that only God made possible. With that hope I press on toward the future with God leading the way.

That’s interesting Marlene. Thanks for the encouragement! It makes me wonder what God might have in store for me? I often get asked, “Don’t you want to write a novel?” And right now my answer is, “No.” But God may change that. I do love to read novels however so if it is His will for me to write one, He will enable me to do it! I appreciate everything you do for GPCWF and I feel honored to be a part of this group of wonderful writers. Thank you for all the helpful information that motivates us to write His answer. P.S. I just got accepted to A Cup of Comfort for Christian Women, edited by Colleen Sell, due out February 2011. There were over 1500 submissions, 60 finalists, and 42 stories selected. My story, Jesus Took the Wheel, is in the book. PTL!

Thanks for this, Marlene. I think the evil one attacks the Christian writer the same we he attacks all Christian preachers and teachers at every opportunity, whispering “You don’t live up to these words you’re putting out.”

The lesson I read at Evening Prayer tonight was helpful: “And the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And he said to me, ‘These are true words of God.’ Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, ‘You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your comrades who hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.'” (Revelation 19:9-10) We are simply servants, and unprofitable ones on our best days. But the testimony of Jesus is true and borne by the Spirit. It is greater than our frailties and is made perfect in our weaknesses. Glory to God in the highest.

Thanks for your well timed article. I recently attended a seminar by Chip MacGregor on “The Perfect Proposal”. God has opened the door to 21 Virginia Correctional Centers this year, working through each Chaplain. We have been freely distributing the devotional books I have written based on the life of Jesus using the 4 gospel accounts. We have received some very good feedback and many requests for additional books, Volume 1-4. For now I am publishing, printing, and distributing in my spare time. I had hopes of locating a good Christian Publisher to help with a much wider distribution of the books. The process of finding a publisher is more complicated than actually writing books.
Maybe I will simply continue to write, self-publish, print, and distribute to the glory of God on a small scale and remain content in Christ. But if you know of any good workshops or seminars that might have some publishers attending in the vicinity of Virginia, please let me know. Thanks for your letting me sound off! God Bless.

Cec Murphy delivered a powerful address at last year’s CCWC meeting in Estes Park regarding rejection and motivation to continue writing. It is recorded on CD. Does anyone know if it still can be purchased? I’ve listened to the CD several times and it is an inspiration.

Thank you, Marlene for your encouraging post–I cried at the incredible timing of it, as I’ve been struggling with those same doubts and for the same reasons. In fact, I thought about writing you for advice, but didn’t want to impose, because although I feel like I know you, we’ve only met once and it’s been some time since we spoke and prayed together at CCWC 2008.

While I was considering what to do, the Lord Jesus Christ stepped in and reminded me to ask Him and instructed me to get alone with Him for three weeks, to seek wisdom and direction.

That was a week ago, and your post today was a direct answer to the question I didn’t ask. Our God is so good–I love the way He gives confirmation and direction through each of us in the Body!

Joel Rosenberg’s confession that he had no story and no ability to write at the time, yet decided “other than that, he was good-to-go” made me laugh out loud. What an inspiration!

Thank you again for giving me a lift when I needed it most and reminding me that when God is calling us to write, He will give us the story and teach us how to write it. God bless you, Marlene!

Amazing timing, Marlene. Thank you so much for sharing this truth with me and others. I’ve been tripping over myself these past few weeks. Time for me to sit down at my computer and do what I’m called to do.

Hi Marlene, Your conference in Oconto Falls, WI was a turning point in my life to keep on keeping on. I learned so much. Thanks for coming and for the time you take to encourage us with blogs like this. God bless!